Reading Room

The True Meaning of Duckmass

The true meaning of Duckmass is often lost in the Quacking
materialism of the season. Duckmass, which begins on December 21
and ends approximately January 13, depending on the phase of the
moon and whether the Duck sees its reflection, is a celebration
of the origins of Duckiness. It is a time for the consideration
of all of the Paths toward Duckiness and appreciation of the
multifariousness of the Duck.

The Duck has been sacrificed to Dinner Plates for millenia,
and it has done so without serious complaint. This graciousness
should be appreciated in particular during this season, and even
those who do not follow the strictest path of Duckism (which
involves vegetarianism, and therefore complete abstention from
the consumption of any feathered friends), should show their
appreciation by refraining from eating Ducks. Most Duckists
follow this rule unconsciously, but for those who lose sight of
the true nature of the Duck as a result of the sensuous nature of
this season, it is particularly worth repeating.

The celebration of the Duck can take many forms, and the
papistry advocates that Duckists choose their own ways and make
their own Ducky traditions. The world of the Duck is a diverse
one; the range of celebrations should reflect that. Whether you
choose to spend the days and nights Quacking for the Good of The
World, or whether you quietly sit at home and reflect on the
Duck, or should you choose to take the opportunity the season
presents to make Ducky artwork, or whether you choose to read
stories to your children about the Duck, the way in which you
celebrate the Duck is much less important than maintaining the
spirit of the Duck itself.

We have the good fortune of living in a time when the Duck is
increasingly loved and trusted. But we do need to be careful not
to succumb to the terrible consequences of superficiality, crass
commercialism, and sentimentalism that marks the sacred festivals
of many religions. With that in mind, Have a very Ducky Duckmass,
and Be Ducky!